Sean and I were commenting how quickly things change, only a few years ago this lake was all ours, not a track to be found. (see the 01 season trips) But in a way it is kinda fun to be the patriarch of a new generation, we find the cool places and they will follow. Today really did remind me of some snowmachine retreat like Vail or Montana where the trails are groomed, the snow is perfect the sun is shining and....we live here! Hows that for perfect?
	We kinda wandered up the creek that heads to the upper lakes, and we have only made it through this creek a few times. And if I'm not mistaken they have always been from the other end down. we left Chuck at the first technical creek crossing to play on the lake as Sean and I explored the possibilities.
The creek chanel is narrow and steep, warm springs usually keep the water open, and a long way down, the thick trees shroud the place in a shadow that speaks silently of impending doom. But the snow was deep and firm enough we thought we just might... Some scouting now and again saved us from serious peril. I took the lead once up over a nob, around a tree and found myself sidehilling the steep banked creek heading toward open water! not a good thing.
	But in an effort not to dramatize the wrong part of the story, we elected to turn around and find chuck back in the sun.